Tradition Home Designs

Home Improvement Professionals , Design-Build Firms , Accessory Dwelling Units , Home Remodeling , Home Additions , Universal Design , Basement Remodeling
11 Reviews
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Tradition Home Designs
11 Reviews

Brandon Manor Post & Beam

Brandon Manor, circa 1840, on four acres near Port Hope, Ontario, is the home of Mel Shakespeare, principal of Tradition Home Designs Inc. Originally the "Halfway House Inn and Tavern" on the Toronto to Kingston Road. The house was completely restored in 2001 and currently for sale.
Country: Canada
This former Inn and Tavern near Port Hope needed a complete restoration after we removed the inappropriate 1960 makeover. We stripped it down to its post and beam frame and started over, using the remaining architectural artifacts to guide us.
Post & Beam Houses
The kitchen wing was redesigned to accommodate period furnishings and a seven ft fireplace with overmantle panels.
Post & Beam Houses
The 1840 house on four acres is set well back from the road. Large white pines line the entrance as you approach the lush lawns.
Post & Beam Houses
A secret door opens off the stair landing to lead to private accommodation. The simple lines of the Shaker-like railing lends grace to the stair hall that fortunately survived a poor 1960s renovation. 40 years later the house resembles its former self.
Post & Beam Houses
A shot of the panelled wall from the upper hall showing the door to a private bedroom closed. No, the painting is not one of Jackson's.
Post & Beam Houses
The restoration continues...Here's Blondie showing off her new shingled siding, just finished in time for Christmas '15.
Post & Beam Houses
The house accepts period furnishings like they are old friends.
Post & Beam Houses
A view of the west end of the house after newly shingled. Hidden behind the bushes on the left is a door that was added...to get to that addition that might be needed later.
Post & Beam Houses
The Miele dishwasher is hidden behind the cabinetry...disguised by drawer and cutting board. Notice the Kingston limestone countertop.
Post & Beam Houses
An almost out-of-sight refrigerator is tucked into the corner with freezer drawers below and a pantry on either side.The blue-washed cupboards took 4 layers of color to produce the desired effect.
Post & Beam Houses
With a dutch door on either side of the kitchen lovely spring and summer breezes freshen the kitchen.
Post & Beam Houses
Post & Beam Houses
The parlour still had its Rumford fireplace with a kind of barrel back hearth that only needed a little repair. Fortunately, I had a mantlepiece in inventory that fitted well.
Post & Beam Houses
The plates that carry the roof pass over the windows which accounts for the placement of the upper windows low on the north and south walls.
Brandon Manor Post & Beam
The food locker (c1860) serves well as kitchen pantry.
Brandon Manor Post & Beam
A unique placement of the refrigerator...hidden behind cabinetry in the corner, with a useful pantry and wine cupboard as part of the design. Lack of upper cupboards enhance the simple Shaker approach.
Brandon Manor Post & Beam
The wreck of a kitchen wing is remodelled and lets out onto an ample deck, ideal for great get-togethers. Local granite stone was gathered together to create the fireplace chimney.
Brandon Manor Post & Beam